Brave Bunbury girl fights cancer diagnosis after year-long push for answers as soccer club raises funds

The Bunbury soccer community is rallying behind a four-year-old girl recently diagnosed with a high-risk cancer. Izzy Miller has been receiving treatment for neuroblastoma since November, with a tumour in her neck and cancer now in her bones and marrow. She is a well-known face around the Bunbury United Soccer Club, with her mother Kim being a senior women’s goalkeeper. The diagnosis came after almost of year of fighting for answers concerning a lump in the young girl’s neck, with Ms Miller and husband Joe, who works fly-in, fly-out, now by their daughter’s side in Perth. BUSC organisers said Izzy had been looking forward to starting her own soccer career this year, but instead of preparing for the season ahead, she had been in Perth Children’s Hospital undergoing treatment. To help support the Miller family, BUSC is hosting a fundraiser on February 2, with local families invited to enjoy a fun day out for a cause. Entry is $10 per family between 1pm and 4pm at the Parade Road clubhouse. Raffle tickets are available online at the BUSC website, or can be bought on the day, with prizes including beauty packs, retail and activity vouchers, handmade items, and more. There will also be a silent auction on the day, with prizes including photography sessions, a garden arbour, a bell tent picnic package, and box seats to a Perth Glory match. A bake sale and second-hand clothing rack will also help raise funds, as well as a lolly jar guessing game, with all other activities — including a sausage sizzle, face painting, balloon shaping, and hair spraying — free. Items have been donated by the South West community, as well as from across the country, with family support from Tasmania also expected at the event. BUSC president Claire Reimers said it had been heartwarming to see the amount of support and the donations roll in since announcing the event on social media. “Izzy, along with her mother, brings so much joy to our soccer club family,” she said. “Her infectious laughter and fun-loving nature lights up every room, and she’s a cherished part of our community. As she bravely battles cancer, let’s come together to show her the same strength she’s shown us during this fight. “This fundraiser is our chance to rally around her and her family, reminding them they’re never alone during this time.” Ms Reimers’ son Josh has also offered to shave his head to raise $300 for the cause. A GoFundMe campaign is also raising funds online.